White Silver Town.
After selling out every last bit of merchandise, Team Rocket's trio collapsed to the ground.
"That brat is way too popular!"
"Look at all this money! We've got enough funds for our next mission—and the one after that!"
"Nyah~ Hey, look! Isn't that a Rainbow Feather in the twerp's hand, just like on the livestream?" Meowth pointed.
Jessie followed his claw, and sure enough, there it was—a dazzling Rainbow Feather gleaming brightly.
"It really is… Should we swipe it and offer it to the Boss?"
"Then we'll get promotions and raises!"
"And become executives, nya~!"
But just as they were savoring the fantasy, a dull thump, thump came from the front of their stall.
A very sour face came into view—Gary Oak.
Instantly, the trio switched on their professional smiles.
"Welcome, dear customer~ Unfortunately, all of Ash's merchandise is sold out. Please come back another time."
Gary's frown deepened.
"Who the heck wants that junk? Weren't you selling lemonade? Hurry up and get me one—the coldest you've got!"
The trio exchanged looks. The lemonade stall was technically across the street…
But a business opportunity was a business opportunity.
Not taking money would be a crime.
The very next second, their Ash-merch stall transformed into a lemonade stand.
They even changed into café-style uniforms.
As for the ice machine? Meowth clawed it together on the spot!
A few minutes later, just as Gary was about to lose patience, his iced lemonade was finally handed over.
One sip, and the tight lines on his brow relaxed.
"…Not bad. Your lemonade's actually good," he admitted, giving them a second glance.
Jessie rubbed her hands together in delight.
"As long as the customer's satisfied~ Please come again!"
And then, they were too busy to think about anything else.
Because another massive line had formed at their "new shop."
Forget the Rainbow Feather—business came first!
Only by earning money could they build new gadgets.
With new gadgets, they'd capture Pikachu.
With Pikachu, they'd beat Ash.
And with Ash beaten, the Rainbow Feather would be theirs anyway!
Perfect plan.
"Three lemonades with extra ice—payment over here, please~!"
On screen—
Chris and his grandfather were dumbfounded.
Rainbow Feathers… weren't supposed to be this common!
Why did he have one?
And why was he so much bigger?!
This didn't make sense!
Besides, just having a Rainbow Feather didn't make you the Rainbow Hero.
That title required Ho-Oh's recognition!
If you couldn't even see Ho-Oh, how could you be chosen?
Ash paid no attention to their thoughts.
With Koharu's eyes shining with admiration, he raised his Rainbow Feather high.
"Come out, Ho-Oh!" Ash shouted.
He poured his faith into the Rainbow Feather.
Chris: "???"
That's it? That's all?
Even his grandfather shook his head. Had he really grown so old that he'd fallen for such childish lies?
But then—something unbelievable happened.
The Rainbow Feather in Ash's hand burst into unimaginable brilliance.
Seven-colored radiance filled the entire sky.
The rainbow glow pierced through the black storm clouds.
Sunlight spilled down in golden rays.
"What, just some flashy lights? That's it?" Chris muttered.
He still didn't believe Ash could really make Ho-Oh appear.
And then—his jaw dropped.
Because Ho-Oh really appeared.
The feather in Ash's hand transformed into a rainbow bridge.
Along that rainbow soared a magnificent figure.
Compared to Chris's pitiful cardboard-Fearow "Ho-Oh,"
This being was the real deal, every feather glowing with prismatic light.
Ho-Oh.
Its arrival silenced everyone.
Why him?! Why can he summon Ho-Oh?!
This was the most mysterious of gods!
Chris and his grandfather were left slack-jawed.
They had dreamed of Ho-Oh for years,
and now that the real one was here, they couldn't say a word.
Ho-Oh descended slowly, circling before landing atop the Bell Tower.
Ash, long time no see.
Its voice was like a mountain spring, echoing in Ash's heart.
"Long time no see, Ho-Oh!" Ash replied excitedly.
After greeting him, Ho-Oh turned its gaze to Chris and his grandfather.
You have done well to guard the Bell Tower.
A rainbow beam shone from its body.
The dull, lifeless feather in Chris's hands bloomed back to life.
"By the way, thanks for reading. If you hadn't helped, I really might have died."
You're far too reckless. If you ever face danger you can't handle, just call out to us. We will come.
"Heh, I just didn't want to trouble you guys," Ash said, a little embarrassed.
Chris and his grandfather were completely stunned.
Forget Rainbow Hero—
if someone told them Ash was Ho-Oh's illegitimate son, they'd believe it.
[Lance: The legends are true! Ho-Oh really can revive the dead—then the story of the Three Beasts must be real!]
[Ash: Gary, say something!]
[Gary: …Don't get cocky! Just wait till the Silver Conference—I'll crush you!]
[Brock: Did you forget? Ash already got the livestream reward—his Pikachu is stronger than ever.]
[Gary: Nobody asked you!]
[Cynthia: Who are "they"? Does Ash know other gods too?]
[Diantha: Probably. But was Ho-Oh referring to Lugia, or others? If it's others… Ash's connections are ridiculous.]
[Leon: Suddenly I feel jealous. If I had this many Legendary friends, I could solve Galar's Dynamax problem easily.]
Hammerlocke City.
Leon sighed as he read the scrolling comments.
If only he had so many Legendary Pokémon allies.
"Hey! Focus on our battle!" Raihan snapped, annoyed at Leon spacing out.
But he instantly regretted it.
"You're right… I'm bored too," Leon said calmly.
He pulled out a Poké Ball. The Dynamax Band on his wrist gleamed.
"Go—Gigantamax Charizard!"
Raihan: "Are you kidding me?! You can't play fair, can you?!"
On screen—
Ho-Oh gave Ash a fond look, then left a glowing mark on his body before soaring away from the Bell Tower.
This time, not only Koharu—
even Chris and his grandfather looked at Ash with pure reverence.
Someone who could summon Ho-Oh at will, and even be saved by it personally…
That was practically Ho-Oh's own son!
They wanted to keep Ash there, but he refused without hesitation.
Galar was still waiting for him!
As for summoning Ho-Oh?
Well, Ash couldn't help it—he was just too kind and friendly.
Since they had set out early, Ash and Koharu arrived back at Sakuragi Institute just in time for dinner.
At the table, Koharu excitedly recounted everything they'd seen that afternoon to Professor Sakuragi.
When the professor heard that Ash had summoned Ho-Oh with the Rainbow Feather,
he froze in disbelief.
Then Koharu sent him all the photos she'd taken at the Bell Tower.
After staring at them for a long while, Professor Sakuragi fell silent.
No way… Ash, you actually did it for real.
When he finally asked about it,
Ash just gave a shy smile.
"I just… really like making friends, that's all."
[Steven: Ash, let's be friends!]
[Wallace: Same here!]
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